Delhi Khel Mahakumbh Begins Amid Enthusiasm and High Participation

A major sports event called the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh has begun in the city. This festival started on February 13, 2026, and will last for a month, ending around mid-March. It is part of an effort to encourage sports and physical activity among young people and the wider community. The event was officially opened by Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Other important guests included Education Minister Ashish Sood and former Indian cricket star Shikhar Dhawan. Their presence highlighted the significance of promoting sports in Delhi. Over 20,000 athletes are taking part in the festival. They are competing in seven different sports. These sports include kabaddi, football, athletics, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, and squash. Competitions are taking place across 16 different venues in Delhi, including areas such as Bawana, Vikaspuri, and Najafgarh. These venues were set up to host various sporting events and accommodate the large number of participants. Participants are competing not only for medals but also for cash prizes. In team sports, winners can receive up to 1,75,000 rupees. Silver medal teams can get 1,51,000 rupees, and bronze medal teams 1,31,000 rupees. For individual sports, the top prize is 11,000 rupees for gold, 9,000 for silver, and 7,000 for bronze. These prizes are meant to encourage athletes and reward their efforts. The festival has a mascot named 'Ranveer,' which represents the energy and spirit of the young sportspeople of Delhi. The mascot symbolizes enthusiasm, strength, and the drive to excel in sports. The aim is to inspire young athletes and promote a positive image of sports among the community. This event is also related to a larger goal of combining sports with education and youth development. The theme or motto of the festival is 'Aao Delhi Khele,' which encourages everyone to participate and enjoy sports activities. The festival aims to create a culture of sports in Delhi, fostering talent and healthy habits among young people. The government has taken significant steps to support the event. The sports and youth affairs budget for Delhi has been increased to 76 crore rupees for the year 2025–26. This tripling of the budget shows the government's commitment to developing sports infrastructure and promoting active lifestyles. The Delhi Khel Mahakumbh is expected to continue for about a month, wrapping up in mid-March 2026. As of February 14, 2026, the event is ongoing, with many competitions already taking place and more scheduled to happen. Overall, the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh is seen as an important initiative. It provides a platform for thousands of athletes to showcase their talents, compete for prizes, and be part of a larger movement to promote sports and fitness. The event also aims to foster community spirit and encourage youth participation in healthy activities. By bringing together people from different parts of Delhi and different sports disciplines, it hopes to build a stronger, more active community dedicated to sports and active living.